Texture Tape 013:

Bandicoot


Interview by

Laced with razor-sharp cuts of gqom, UK funky and broken beat, Bristol-based Bandicoot isn’t pulling any punches with this one.

What were your ideas or plans going into the mix?

I haven’t really had as much time for mixing over the last few months as I’d like. It got a bit lost amongst promoting, uni work and general life stuff. This mix is me trying to get back into the swing of things and reflecting over the year I’ve had.

Tell us a bit about your night in Bristol – ‘Floor Function’.

It started out as a club night. We saw quite a few student led nights doing the same thing that didn’t really have the environment we were after. So we set out to make something that we would have wanted to go to.

The idea was to have parties in smaller venues, with diversity and a safe space policy at it’s core. The focus isn’t on us as residents, we facilitate more than anything.

We’ve been fortunate enough to host the likes of SHYBOI, Manami, Ifeoluwa and a bunch of other great artists.We also have a residency on 1020 Radio where we bring in guests for an interview and mix.

What have been your favourite releases recently?

Unperson – ONRU002 [REMIXED] on Only Ruins. I rate the label’s output so far and really enjoyed this release. The Troy Gunner flip holds true to the original track but with a different look. 96 Back completely switches up ‘Staring At The Light Cable’.

Also:

DNAonDNA – ‘Nonchalant Sounds From Across the Solar System’

I am excited for this number that popped up on soundcloud when listening to the above. Keen to see where A1 goes.

How about a set or performance you wish you could go back to and experience all over again?

I recently went to Ossia’s album launch at the Brunswick in Bristol and ASDA closed the event. Can’t really put it into words but it was fucked up.

How do you organise your music?

When DJing it’s just folders by bpm. I used to do it by genre/mood but never really maintained it or properly committed to it. I think in an ideal world I’d have both.

Everything else is just a messy, lazily labelled series of Spotify/Soundcloud playlists & a sporadic bandcamp wishlist.  

A track you’ve always wanted to play out but never had the chance?

Ruff Sqwad – ‘Move 2 Dis’: Instant wheel. Haven’t got the record and discog’s prices are doing me dirty. Get at me if you’ve got it and are willing to part with it. It’ll be safe in a happy home.

Your dancefloor saver?

MC Pikachu – ‘Lá no Meu Barraco’

Your favourite club?

It has to be Cellar in Oxford (rip). It was the first intimate club I went to when starting to listen to dance music and I just fell in love with it. Sweat dripping from the walls, slapping the board etc. When I’m putting on events with the Floor Function boys I’m really just trying to recreate that environment.  I’m gutted that I never got a chance to play there but am chuffed to have been. Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened xoxoxo etc.

The soundtrack for your funeral?

Peter Gabriel – ‘The Book of Love’

My flat and I have been regressing to our early teen years and, for better or worse, we’ve managed to cultivate the sorely missed sleepover environment. It’s come with some tv & films that have aged terribly. At the moment, however, we’re pretty comfortably seshing Scrubs so the above seemed fitting.

And on a lighter note, the tune you’ll still be listening to in 50 years?

Soft Hair – ‘Lying Has to Stop’

At least I hope so. I think my tastes tend to take pretty sharp turns every few years so having an album or an artist that stays with me isn’t all that common. Obviously excluding those teenage angst bands that I’d never be comfortable naming in such a public way. Regardless, this EP has been a theme throughout the last few years.

Tracklist ~
Klaus – Cry Tuff
Menchess – Mitsubishi Song
Cruel Boyz – Umeqo Emagqomini (dub mix)
8ULENTINA – ROPE SWING
Lechuga Zafiro - Tambor Espada feat C1080 (Blacksea Nae Maya remix)
Deena Abdelwahed – Jalel Brick Rrumi
Demdike Stare – Pile Up
Syz – Syncopate
Peter Mannerfelt – Every Day Had a Number
Cop Envy – Leisure
Mim Suleiman – Mwaitoma
Gaunt – Burnt Toast
Off The Meds – Belter (Joy O Belly Mix)
Flaty – Clearances
Piezo – Cala
Addison Groove – Fuk Tha 101